What Are We Drinking? w/ Rachel Carey

In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel sits down with Paul Simmons, CEO of Ability SDA, for a deep dive into the realities of Specialist Disability Accommodation, the future of disability housing in Australia, and the challenges providers are facing within the NDIS landscape.Paul shares his journey from economics and healthcare banking into retirement villages, before making the pivot into SDA alongside his wife Angie. Together, they built Ability SDA with a focus on creating beautiful, functional housing that genuinely improves quality of life for people with disabilities.The conversation explores everything from construction costs, NDIA funding challenges, choice and control, and the saturation of poor-quality SDA stock, through to the importance of aesthetics, accessibility, and future-proofing disability housing.Paul also opens up about working alongside his wife, raising three daughters while building a business together, and why creating meaningful spaces for people matters so deeply to him.There’s also an incredible story behind his drink choice — Ink Gin — involving sugar cane, entrepreneurship, Margot Robbie, and a reminder that sometimes the opportunity you never expected becomes the thing that changes everything.This episode is honest, insightful, passionate, and packed with real conversations about where the disability sector is headed.Key Topics Discussed - Paul Simmons’ journey from banking into SDA housing - Building Ability SDA alongside his wife Angie - The origin story behind Ink Gin and entrepreneurship - The evolution of Specialist Disability Accommodation in Australia - Why apartments became a major SDA solution in Sydney - NDIA funding challenges and policy instability - The impact of rising construction costs on disability housing - Why poor SDA design is becoming a major issue - Future-proofing SDA builds through quality and aesthetics - Choice and control for people with disabilities - Separation of housing and support providers - Fraud and accountability within the NDIS sector - The shortage of accessible housing outside SDA funding - Why beautiful, mainstream-style housing matters - Working with your spouse and balancing business with family life - Raising children while running a purpose-driven business - AI, innovation, and the future of business

In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel sits down with Kieran Watts, a Powerchair athlete and advocate, for a real and eye-opening conversation as the Powerchair Hockey Team aims to fundraise their trip to the World Championships in Finland.They unpack what it actually takes to compete in Powerchair sport, from the discipline and preparation to the often overlooked reality of constant fundraising just to get to competitions. Kieran shares the financial challenges athletes face and why community support is so critical.The conversation also dives into the NDIS, breaking down misconceptions, media narratives, and the frustration of navigating a system that often requires people to repeatedly prove permanent disabilities. This is a raw discussion about autonomy, accessibility, and changing the way we view disability in Australia. Donate Today! ANY amount helps 🩷https://asf.org.au/campaigns/australian-powerchair-hockey-association-nsw-inc/help-the-australian-sliders-go-to-finlandTopics Discussed: - Kieran’s background and journey into Powerchair sport - The mindset and discipline required to compete at a high level - Behind-the-scenes reality of training, competing, and preparation - Financial challenges in disability sport and lack of funding- The role of sponsorships and community support - Misconceptions about people with disabilities and capability- The “protection vs autonomy” debate in disability - Barriers to mainstream participation and accessibility improvements - NDIS funding controversies and media narratives - The emotional and administrative burden of NDIS processes - Advocacy for participant choice, control, and dignity - Why lived experience voices need a bigger platform

In Episode 10 of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel Carey sits down with Western Sydney’s hospitality powerhouse Jessica Jenkins — the woman behind some of Penrith’s most iconic venues, including Mr Watkins, Elton Chong, and Harry Hartog.From coffee to cocktails, Jess has built more than venues — she’s built a community. In this unfiltered chat, she opens up about the hustle behind hospitality, the realities of small business ownership, and her mission to put Penrith on the map as a vibrant, connected hub for locals and travellers alike.They talk about life, leadership, and what it means to grow something meaningful in a world that’s always changing — from burnout to boldness, motherhood to management, and why Western Sydney’s story is only just beginning.☕ In this episode, we discuss:How Mr Watkins became a beloved Penrith café and cocktail bar — and what it really takes to make hospitality work.The creation of Elton Chong, a left-of-centre live music venue bringing alternative culture and inclusion to Western Sydney.The urgent need for Penrith’s CBD revitalisation ahead of the new Western Sydney Airport — and what local councils are missing.How Jess learned to step back from the grind, find balance, and lead through feminine energy.The truth about innovation in hospitality, TikTok trends, and staying authentic in an Insta-driven world.

In this episode of What Are We Drinking? w/ Rachel Carey, we sit down with Dr. Yasser Zaki — Global CEO of TLC, entrepreneur, innovator, and fearless leader in the Australian NDIS and disability services sector.Yasser’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From being homeless after migrating from Egypt to Australia, to founding and scaling Tender Loving Care (TLC Global) into an organisation with over 1,200 staff across 9 years, his journey is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, leadership, and purpose-driven business.Together, Rachel Carey and Dr. Yasser Zaki explore what it really takes to build an empire with heart, and how true success means giving back, leading with fairness, and finding peace in the hustle, shared over a slight twist on a tropical delight! 🍍🍹Topics Covered:- Yasser’s journey from Egypt to Australia and finding purpose after struggle- What it means to hit rock bottom and rebuild from scratch- How ego can be your greatest teacher if you learn to control it- Building TLC Global from a $500 start-up to a 1,200-employee enterprise- Turning corporate success into social impact through disability services- The story of meeting Margaret — the moment that changed his life- Finding your leadership style: from fiery hustler to Zen CEO- Lessons in fairness, purpose, and authentic leadership-Why profits without goodness don’t matter- How giving back through TLC Global transforms communities- Creating employment for people with disabilities through MAY Foods- The power of curiosity, friction, and mindset in business growth- Redefining what success means in the NDIS business world

In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel Carey sits down with Michael Graves, CEO of Visual Care, to unpack how technology is transforming the NDIS landscape. From his unconventional path—from law to footwear startups, edtech, and now disability care tech—Michael shares what it takes to lead change, manage rapid growth, and simplify complexity in Australia's disability services sector - all discussed over the most disgusting drink Rachel has shared yet!Expect big conversations on leadership, AI, family-life balance, simplifying compliance, scaling through systems, and shifting public perception of the NDIS.Whether you're an NDIS provider, tech founder, support worker, or social impact junkie—this one’s for you.🧠 Topics Covered:✔️ CEO mindset & leadership hacks✔️ Tech innovation in disability care✔️ Simplifying rostering, compliance & reporting✔️ Building scalable systems for NDIS providers✔️ Working across different industries (and thriving)✔️ The perception problem with NDIS✔️ Balancing purpose & profit✔️ How to build a powerful business culture✔️ Visual Care’s roadmap & the future of NDIS software

When Suzanne Walker was told she’d “never be anything,” she proved them wrong. From leaving home at 19 with a bag of clothes to becoming the Founder of Clear Path Accounting, Suzanne’s journey is one of resilience, discipline, and unapologetic growth.In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel Carey uncorks the bubbly with Suzanne to dive into her story — from family adversity and building a thriving business, to supporting NDIS providers with straight-talking financial advice. They explore the 5 most important numbers every business owner should know, why profit isn’t a dirty word, and how to navigate the financial squeeze in the NDIS sector.But it’s not all spreadsheets and strategy — Suzanne also shares the transformative impact of stillness, her healing journey in an ashram in India, and the personal moments that shaped her into the leader she is today.Whether you’re an NDIS provider, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing clarity in business and life, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, real talk, and a few sparkling laughs.

In the debut episode of What Are We Drinking, advocate, speaker, media commentator, and Western Sydney representative Amanda Rose joins Rachel Carey for a raw and unfiltered chat unlike any you've see before. From her start in business and background of coming from a family of sole traders, to selling her first business, getting recognised by George Clooney, to currently supporting Western Sydney Business Woman in her current ventures, Amanda Rose spills all about the secrets to progressing, breaking through the glass ceiling, and how to push through the elitism ever present in Australia and beyond. We're getting the inside scoop on how the east views the west, the truth about politicians, and why 'Imposter Syndrome' isn't real, so there's only one question left to ask: What Are We Drinking?

The Best Conversations Happen Over a Drink.Rachel Carey is a business owner, entrepreneur, coach, speaker, and thought leader in the NDIS space. With a passion for business, personal growth, and real conversations, she’s bringing people together to discuss the topics that matter most.From business insights and industry trends to life, the NDIS, and everything in between, no subject is off-limits.So, the only question left is… What Are We Drinking?